Thursday, August 2, 2018

Check our list and find out 10 things you shouldn't do in Prague if you really want to enjoy it trouble-free! Is it good to change your money on the street? Are taxi drivers in Prague great guys? Is absinthe and trdelník really that traditional and genuinely Czech? Let!s find out!

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Prague city center offers something for everyone. From traditional Czech restaurants or burger pubs to classy Italian restaurants and luxury Michelin star restaurants. But what about those who seek cuisine with a conscience? Don't worry, we have put together the best restaurants and bistros in the center of Prague offering delicous vegan and vegetarian meals. And of course, all of them within walkin distance of all our residences and apartments. Forget about meat and enjoy your meal in our beatufiul city!

1. Vegan's Prague

Source: vegansprague.cz

Visiting Prague Castle and looking for something to eat? Stop by in Vegan's Prague, lovely vegan restaurant located in Nerudova street, only 3 minutes walk from the castle. They offer original super tasty vegan meals prepared from fresh ingredients. You can taste speical vegan variants of traditional Czech dishes, amazing meals inspired by world cuisine, vegan burgers and much more. We also recommend their RAW desserts and local wine or beer from Vinohrady. Staff is very nice and helpful. Number 1 in Lesser Town!

Google Rating: 4.7Facebook rating: 4.9/5

2. Lehká hlava

Source: www.lehkahlava.cz

Only 3 minutes walk from our main Residence Karolina, you can find one of the top choices for most vegans and vegetarians in Prague. Lehká hlava/Clear head is located in Boršov street, just next to the Vltava river bank. You will find yourself in a very original interior decorated by talented artists. They cook with fresh ingredients and their meals can be very tasty even for meat lovers. Every weekday from 11.30 P.M. they serve lunch menu at a discounted prices. See their website for this week's offer. Definitely a must try for everyone.

Google rating: 4.6

Facebook rating: 4.9/5

3. Estrella restaurant

Source: facebook.com/estrella.rest

This amazing vegetarian restaurant is situated in a quiet street, only 5 minutes walk from our Residence Karolina or Ostrovni 7 Apartments. Their meals are not just healthy and tasty, all of them also look great. They use local and seasonal ingredients to prepare perfect dishes not just for vegetarians and vegans. Estrella also offers daily lunch menu (soup + main course) for less than 200 CZK (8 EUR). The staff is attentive and fast. The restaurant is perfect even for a nice dinner but make sure to book a table as it can get pretty crowded.

Address:Opatovická 17, Prague 1

Google rating: 4.6

Facebook rating: 4.9/5

4. Maitrea

Source: restaurace-maitrea.cz

Týnská ulička is one of the most picturesque streets in Prague. Just behind iconic Tyn Church, few steps from the Old Town Square its hidden from the biggest tourist crowds. And this nice street is a home of another perfect vegan/vegetarian place, Maitrea, a sister restaurant of Lehká hlava. Their meals will simply amaze you. Same as Lehká hlava, every weekday from 11.30 P.M. you can order lunch menu at a discounted prices. You will sure enjoy very cozy interior and nice attentive staff trying to make your visit unforgettable every time. Always be sure to book a table well ahead as Maitrea is pretty popular place not just for vegans. Most likely the best choice in the historical center of Prague.

Address:Týnská ulička 6, Prague 1

Google rating: 4.6

Facebook rating: 4.9/5

5. Cafe Moment

Source: cafemoment.cz

Cafe Moment is not located in the very center of the city but it can be easily reached by green "A" metro line from Staroměstská or Můstek station. Or simply take a walk, it's not too far. You will find it just next to Sady Svatopluka Čecha park. We just couldn't miss it as it is 100% vegan and 100% awesome. Cafe Moment invites everyone who "feels love for animals and is willing to contribute in environmental protection, or simply has a taste for super vegan delicacy". Same as most Prague restaurants this cafe offers lunch menu from Monday to Friday (soup + main course) for reasonable prices. And good news for all sweet lovers – they make the best homemade vegan sweets! This lovely place is definitely worth a visit.

Address:Slezská 62, Prague 2

Google rating: 4.5

Facebook rating: 4.7/5

6. Mlsná kavka

Source: facebook.com/mlsnakavka

And the last restaurant in our list is not exactly located in the center of Prague either but if you take a nice walk from the Republic Square, you will get there in 10 minutes (or 15 minutes from our residences Rybna and Masna). Karlín district is a home of very interesting trendy places and Mlsná kavka is surely one of them. Mlsná kavka is a part of a admirable project helping people with mental illnesses who rehabilitate working here. The restaurant boasts tasty meals for quite favorable prices and offers lunch menu on weekdays.

Google rating: 4.4

Facebook rating: 4.4/5

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

In our series "The Best Czech Products" we introduce the finest, most famous and traditional brands or products made in the Czech Republic. All products in this series are considered as national treasures by the Czechs themselves and you can be sure to get the top quality for you or your friends and family.

The first post of our series was all about Czech national drink, world-known beer Pilsner Urquell. And today we'll take a look at our national soft drink, legendary Kofola!

Story of Kofola started back in 1950s when Dr. Zdeněk Blažek and his team were given a tricky task of developing a beverage that would compete with Western cola sodas that were not available in Czechoslovakia during the communist rule from 1948 to 1989. It took them two years before they came up with the optimal ingredients for the Kofo syrup, which served as the basis of the new drink. Among other things it consisted of fourteen herbal or fruit ingredients (e.g., licorice) and caffeine.

The Kofola started selling in 1960 and it soon became very popular. So popular that in the late 1960s, Czechoslovakia ran out of the herbs and it had to be imported. After an enormous success at the Ex Plzeň food trade fair, Kofola's popularity peaked. Conferences of experts were organized and Kofola appeared in the names of many events. More than 180 million liters (47 million gallons) were produced annually.

But sweet candy times ended with the fall of the Iron Curtain. Previously unavailable American sodas flooded local market and Kofola almost disappeared for the whole 1990s. It changed its owners several times. But 1998 was the year of the great events. Czech ice-hockey team won the Olympic gold and Kofola finally found a new owner. It was bought by the Greek family of Samaras and their company Santa.

Starting with the new millennium Kofola was reborn and started another great journey lasting to these days. With the help of genius marketing it has become a real legend among Czech soft drinks. In 2001 Kofola came up with the slogan "If you love her there's no other needs" (Když ji miluješ, není co řešit) and it was a huge hit. The company had very clever commercials everyone remembered and quoted. The most popular one with a cute little girl and a "golden pig" started before Christmas in 2003 and people in the Czech Republic can't imagine Christmas without this spot even today. Another popular commercial featured dog Phteven known from memes.

In 2006 Kofola was more popular than famous American brands in the Czech Republic. Good news is that Kofola has almost one-third less sugar and up to half less caffeine than classic cola drinks. In 2004 Kofola introduced first special flavor, citrus. Since then consumers could have tasted more than 20 different flavors including guarana, watermelon, coconut, almond or cinnamon.

Scotland has Irn-Bru, France has Orangina, South Korea has Milkis, USA has Coca-Cola and the Czech Republic has Kofola. This soft drink has become a real legend, and no one should really leave without tasting it or getting a few bottles for friends or family.

Best enjoyed: Visit one of the restaurants serving draft KofolaGift ideas: 0.25 l cans, 0.33 l glass or 0.5/1/1.5/2 l plastic bottlesWhere to buy: Plastic bottles and cans can be bought in almost every grocery shop in PraguePrice: 0.5 l bottles usually for 15-20 CZK (0.6-0.8 EUR)

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Prague visitors are often surprised how popular Italian cuisine in Prague is. But it's not really surprising for locals as the country is only a few hours drive from the Czech Republic and Italy is one of the most visited countries by Czechs. Same as most people, they love good pasta, pizza, risotto, lasagne or tiramisu. Some restaurants are owned by Italians living in Prague, but you can also find great places run by enthusiastic Czechs. Choose one of the restaurants from our list and enjoy the best Italian meals in Prague!

1. Casa De Carli

Source: www.facebook.com/CasaDeCarli

Opened in 2012, Casa De Carli is one of the best rated Italian restaurants in Prague. And they definitely deserve this rating. To make their perfect dishes, they use only the best fresh ingrediences inspired by many Italian regions. The staff is very welcoming and helpful, always ready to assist you with choosing the right meal. The restaurant is located in Vězeňská street, only a few steps from the Spanish Synagogue or our apartments Dusni 13, Milosrdnych and Residence Masna.

2. Pagana

Source: www.pagana.cz

This genuine Italian restaurant is a real piece of Italy in the center of Prague. Just 5 minutes' walk from our Residence Karolina, this restaurant is hidden in the atrium between Spálená and Vladislavova streets. You simply must try their signature dish, flammed spaghetti prepared in a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano right in front of you. They also prepare awesome fresh fish and have a good choice of wine. Pagana is open from Monday to Friday.

3. La Finestra in Cucina

Source: www.pagana.cz

La Finestra in Cucina is a part of the large "La Collezione" family owned by Riccardo Lucque, great Italian chef living in Prague. Other members of this portfolio are Aromi Restaurant, La Bottega or Laboratorio, amazing cooking school located just a few steps from our Residence Karolina and Art Residence Krocinova. If your stay in Prague is longer, don't forget to take one of their courses! La Finestra in Cucina itself is a perfect place focusing on the best quality organic meat from Spain, USA and Italy. In a lovely interior you can taste original fresh meals, seasonal dishes and one of their wines from own wine cellar.

5. Cicala Trattoria

Source: www.trattoria.cz

If you find yourself hungry in the upper part of the Wenceslas Square, visit Cicala Trattoria, amazing restaurant offering genuine Italian cuisine. It was founded in 1997 by culinary master Aldo Cicala. Chef David Cicala uses only the best fresh Italian ingredients to make top meals inspired by ancient Roman recipes from his ancestors. You must try one of their signature dishes – Astice con linguine (lobster with pasta and tomato sauce), Ossobuco con riso allo zafferano (stewed veal shank) or Carciofi al tegame (fried artichokes). The restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday.

6. Alriso Risotteria Italiana

Source: www.alriso.cz

Very close to our Residence Karolina or Jilska Palace Apartments both locals and tourists meet in this stylish Italian restaurant focusing on risotto and rice dishes. Their chef Jiří Sus prepares imaginative

meals from carnaroli rice, but you can also get pasta, salads or grilled specialties. The interior is really cozy and the menu is completely gluten-free! On weekdays from 11:00 to 15:00 they offer lunch menu for very reasonable price. Easy to find as it is situated next to the Bethlehem Chapel.

7. Pastař

Source: www.pastar.cz

If you cross the bridge from the National Theatre, you will discover this authentic Italian restaurant and shop. Thanks to this unique concept you can buy everything served in the restaurant and vice versa. It was opened in 2014 and since then it gained many loyal guests loving freshly made Italian dishes. You will be surprised by the homely atmsophere and very attentive staff. Pastař is open every day until 10 P.M.

8. Kogo Havelská

Source: www.facebook.com/kogohavelska

This italian restaurant and bar is situated next to the Church of St Havel in picturesque Havelská street. Thanks to its central location it is easily accessible from most of our apartments. Open until 23 P.M. every day Kogo offers everything you would expect from the top Italian restaurant – attentive service, stylish and decent interior with nice atomsphere, but especially perfect food! Choose from fresh fish, pasta or delicious grilled specialties and taste a piece of Italy in Prague.

9. GamberoRosso

Source: www.facebook.com/GamberoRosso

In GamberoRosso they love Italian cuisine and healthy food. And that's exactly what you'll get! Their fitness meals taste really great whether prepared from fish, lamb or chicken. But don't worry, if you're not fitness lover, you can get delicious traditional Italian dishes as well. On weekdays until 3 P.M. they also offer daily menu for very reasonable prices. The restaurant is located in Jakubská street, just a few steps from our residences Masna and Rybna!

10. Pasta Fresca

Source: www.pastafresca.ambi.cz

Pasta Fresca is a member of Ambiente family, a chain of very popular various restaurants, wine bars, pubs and cafés in Prague. Check our other blog posts or visit ambi.cz for more information. Pasta Fresca specializes in first class authentic Italian pasta. Every day from 11 A.M. until 11.30 P.M. you can get awesome Italian dishes prepared from fresh seasonal ingredients. The staff is very professional and attentive, you will also like the elegant interior. Pasta Fresca is located in Celetná street connecting the Old Town Square and Republic Square.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Days are getting longer and warmer and both locals and tourists wandering the historical center of Prague look for something cold and delicious. In Prague there are loads of stalls with trdelník, fake "traditional" pastry made to rip off tourists wanting to try genuine Czech sweets... Most of them offer this overpriced piece of dough with the worst cheap ice cream. Do not fall into this tourist trap, same as most Prague visitors do. We all know that the best ice cream in the world is made in Italy and called "gelato". That's why we've chosen 3 best ice cream/gelato places in Prague you simply must try!

1. Angelato

One of 3 top ice-cream places in the center of Prague. Angelato is situated in Rytířská street and in Újezd, next to the funicular station going up to Petřín. You can get classic gelatos (chocolate, vanilla and others), sorbets from seasonal fruits or unique and original flavors like pumpkin, rice, olive, lavender and many others. Delicious! If you want to get gelato on a hot day, be prepared for a very long queue outside the shop. But that's just another proof their ice cream is irresistible...

2. Crème de la Crème

Source: facebook.com/cremedelacremeprague/

If you want to get an amazing craft ice-cream go to Crème de la Crème in Husova street, close to the Old Town Square. The owners learned to make the best gelato from Italian masters and now they serve maybe the best gelato in Prague. And try their cakes and pastries as well! The lines of people waiting for their ice cream can get very long, especially in spring and summer but it is definitely worth waiting even more than 20 minutes! And another great news! Not far from here they're building brand new shop!

3. Puro Gelato

Source: purogelato.cz

Another perfect place to get a great gelato. They have two shops, one close to Vyšehrad, the other is located in the very center, in Kaprova street. Their high quality craft gelato is made from the best ingredients and you can taste a number of original flavors every day. They don't use any artifical flavours and their recipes are close to perfection. Be prepared for a long queue outside the shop, mostly on the weekends and in the afternoon on hot days. But same as Angelato and Crème de la Crème, don't hesitate to wait, you won't regret...

Thursday, March 15, 2018

In our series "The Best Czech Products" we introduce the finest, most famous and traditional brands or products made in the Czech Republic. All products in this series are considered as naitonal treasures by the Czechs themselves and you can be sure to get the top quality for you or your friends and family.

We can't start with anything else but beer, the Czech national drink. Czechs drink 142 litres per person every year, which makes them world's biggest beer drinkers. The country has topped the per capita beer drinking table for 23 consecutive years! It's clear that the Czechs are the real experts here...

The most famous Czech beer brand is... Pilsner Urquell brewed in Pilsen (Plzeň), Czech Republic. Pilsner Urquell is the world’s first-ever pilsner type blond lager, making it the inspiration for much of the beer produced in the world today, many of which are named pils, pilsner and pilsener. Pils is arguably the most successful beer style in the world. Nine out of ten beers drunk in the world today are made according to the Pilsner style or a style directly derived from it.

The story of Pilsner Urquell started in 1842 when the very first batch of Pilsner beer was brewed by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in the brand new Pilsner Brewery. Hebrewed the best beer of his life. Thanks to the best quality Czech hop from the Žatec area, a lager yeast and local soft water it was greatly accepted by the locals and later it inspired breweries all over the world becoming a real legend... In 1843 carrier Martin Salzmann brought Pilsner Urquell to Prague for the first time. It was at the request of inkeeper Jakub Pinkas from the famous restarurant U Pinkasů, the longest continually-serving Pilsner Urquell pub in Prague.

The taste of the Pilsner beer is fresh, clear and refreshing with a touch of caramel sweetness and a crisp, balanced hop bitterness. With total sales of more than 10 million hectolitres (including production abroad) Plzensky Prazdroj is a major beer producer in the region and the largest exporter of Czech beer. The brewery exports to more than 50 countries around the world. In addition to the traditional export destinations such as Germany, Poland, Slovakia and the United States there is also growing demand from countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Armenia, Israel or even Hong Kong, China or South Korea.

If you want to see this legendary beer being made, there is nothing easier than visiting the city of Pilsen (1 hour ride from Prague) and take a brewery excursion. You will learn about history and secrets, you will see the modern bottling plant and you will visit the historic cellars, where you can taste unfiltered Pilsner Urquell straight from oak lager barrels. More about Prazdroj Visit here.

Best enjoyed: Visit one of the renowned pubs serving draft Pilsner Urquell from tankGift ideas: Bottles and cans of beer, souvenirs from the breweryWhere to buy: Bottles and cans can be bought in almost every grocery shop in PraguePrice: 0.5 l bottles usually for 25-40 CZK (1-1.5 EUR), cans slightly more expensive

Monday, December 18, 2017

In the center of Prague locals and tourists can visit a large number of great restaurants, pubs and bars with perfect atmosphere, professional staff and delicious drinks or meals. But just a few of them offer live music, whether it's jazz, piano music, traditional Czech folklore music or others. You don't need to speak Czech because music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand... Some of them are more of a clubs, but all of them serve drinks.

Jazz/Blues/Swing

1. Reduta Jazz Club

Source: www.redutajazzclub.cz

Reduta Jazz Club, founded in 1957, is a traditional jazz club with a great atmosphere. Listen to live concerts every day and enjoy an unforgettable musical experience. The best performers from the Czech Republic and all over the world playing the best jazz music. In 2016 it was recognized by The Guardian as one of the best jazz clubs in Europe. You will find in Národní street, just a few steps from the National Theatre and our Residence Karolina. The jazz hall is connected to the Saxophone Bar which opens usually half an hour before the concert. Visit their website to see the program.

2. ART&FOOD Had

Source: www.art-food.cz

If you walk from the National Theatre, cross the Legion Bridge and go to Plaská street, near Újezd. It's home of a brilliant restaurant with a homely atmosphere offering live music every day from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. Listen to jazz, pop, blues, swing while enjoying delicious meals inspired by traditional Czech cuisine. Wine lovers can taste one of the fine wines and if you like beer, you won't be disappointed as they offer special beers from the Czech microbreweries. In the restaurant customers can admire more than 200 paintings from the best Czech artists.

3. Jazz Republic

Source: www.jazzrepublic.cz

This jazz club/bar is one of the most popular live music venues in the center of Prague. It is situated in a Romanesque cellar, just a few feet from our Jilska Palace Apartments, not far from the Old Town Square. Almost every day visitors can enjoy a live concert, mostly jazz, funk and blues, but also world music, acid jazz, R&B or even latin music. Get a craft beer from Zemsky brewery, wine, nachos, club sandwich or a cheese plate and relax with a pleasant music.

4. Blues Sklep

Source: www.bluessklep.cz

Blues Skep is a bar and club in the very center of Prague, not far from the Charles Bridge, Bethlehem Chapel and our Residence Karolina or Krizovnicka Apartments. The bar is open daily from 7 P.M. and almost every day guests can listen to live blues/jazz music. Get a beer for a reasonable price and enjoy a nice atmosphere. Blues Sklep is a really cozy place with nice staff where you can meet a lot of locals.

5. Jazz Boat

Source: www.jazzboat.cz

A little different restaurant with live music. Enjoy this moving jazz stage with three of your senses, listen to great jazz musicians, taste a delicous dinner and see Prague from a different perspective. Check their website to see the programme and don't forget to book your spot in advance. The boat departs every day at 8.30 P.M. from the Gate 2 at the Čechův Bridge, a few steps from the Residence Brehova.

6. AghaRTA Jazz Centrum

Source: www.agharta.cz

Not a place for a dinner (as they don't serve meals), but definitely a place for a nice drink and wonderful jazz. The club, named by the album from American jazz musician Miles Davis, is open every day from 7 P.M. You will find it in Železná street, on the way from the Old Town Square to the Wenceslas Square. The admission is 250 CZK (10 EUR). Spend a pleasant evening with the best jazz music in this relaxed and cozy venue.

Piano

7. CODA Restaurant

Source: www.codarestaurant.cz

CODA is an excellent restaurant with a stunning interior, very attentive service and delicious meals. Every week from Tuesday to Saturday you can listen to the live piano music in the evening. In summer visit their unique roof terrace with wonderful 360° view of Prague. The restaurant is located in the Lesser Town of Prague, close to the St. Nicholas Church.

8. Black Angel's Bar

Source: www.blackangelsbar.com

You can hardly find a more stylish bar in Prague. The interior is made in the 1930´s style and the staff is dressed in period clothing. Every evening guests can listen to live piano and enjoy delicious cocktails. The bar is located in the unique Gothic cellars in the Old Town Square, in the very heart of Prague. The service is very professional and watching the cocktails being made is a nice experience.

Latin/Caribbean

9. La Casa de La Havana vieja

Source: www.casahavana.cz

If it's Wednesday or Thursday and you want to get a perfect Cuban cocktail while listening captivating live Cuban music in the center of Prague, visit La Casa de La Havana vieja. This stylish bar is located in a small street, a few minutes' walk from the National Theatre or our Residence Karolina. Once you enter the club, you feel like you are in Cuba in 1930s. Their selection of rum is admirable, don't forget to try one.

10. La Casa Argentina

Source: www.lacasaargentina.eu

If you like Latin music, go to Dlouhá street and visit La Casa Argentina. Every evening guests can listen to the Argentine music played by the authentic band. Choose from one of the 12 steaks and more than a hundred of wines and cocktails. Prices are bit higher, but it is definitely worth it, the meals are excellent and the atmosphere is brilliant. The restaurant is just 3 minutes' walk from our Residences Rybna and Masna.

Czech Folklore

11. Folklore Garden

Source: www.folkloregarden.cz

Wonderful place to get to know the Czech folklore. Folklore Garden is situated little further from the city center, in Hlubočepy district, but you can easily get there by tram no. 5 from Lazarská stop or they will arrange a transfer from our apartments or your hotel. You will enjoy a nice show in a pleasant atmosphere of a small castle. Just watch the show or join and dance/sing along with the artists. As a part of the show, you will get a four-course menu and delicious Czech wine!

Rock

12. RedRoom Music Bar

Source: www.redroom.cz

In Myslíkova street, close to Charles Square, you will find this cozy bar offering four live concerts a week. Free entry and very reasonable prices make it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a pleasant place with good live music and fine drinks (no food). And don't hesitate to show your talent during open mic Sundays! They have everything you need, including a guitar.